Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons ran from 1937 to 1955 in serial and half-hour format at various times of its history. It was produced by Frank and Anne Hummert, based on the 1906 novel by Robert W. Chambers, The Tracer of Lost Persons.

The Hummerts produced over 100 radio series, most of them soap operas, but Mr. Keen was probably the most famous of their productions along with juvenile serial Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy.

There are many reasons why the series could be considered as below average: stilted writing, repetitive plotlines, over acting, and more... but it is the final result that matters. The program that is still fondly remembered by those who heard the original broadcasts, and even younger collectors find it to be fun and often amusing. The innocence of the program and the enduring confidence of "the kindly old investigator" still provide an entertaining experience of radio's golden age.

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These recordings are part of the Joe Hehn Memorial Collection. Mr. Hehn (1931-2020) was a pioneering collector of radio recordings when the hobby emerged in the 1960s. Digitizing his collection of reel tapes and discs is the effort of a wide range of North American volunteers, and includes assistance of some international collectors. The groups supporting this effort with their funds, time, technology and skills are the Old Time Radio Researchers and a small group of transcription disc preservationists who refer to themselves as the "The Knights of the Turning Table."

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